Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
MONTREAL — What does the Henoc Muamba signing mean for the Montreal Alouettes?
Aside from being a difference-maker, the Als’ newest addition is also one of the CFL’s elite ratio-breakers.
Before being released for cap reasons, Muamba was the Riders’ Most Outstanding Canadian in 2017. He has 267 tackles throughout his six-year career and forced 11 fumbles, while he can also play where seen fit at MIKE or WILL linebacker.
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The real flexibility, however, comes with the boost to the Alouettes’ Canadian content.
In his two off-seasons as general manager, Kavis Reed has signed three ratio-breakers in Muamba, Jabar Westerman and his brother Jamaal Westerman. He’s also drafted an athletic safety in Dondre Wright and re-signed Tevaugn Campbell and Philip Blake, three more potential starters, each with a Canadian passport.
In short, signing Muamba means that Reed and his new head coach Mike Sherman will have a plethora of options when camp breaks next month.
The CFL ratio requires teams to start seven Canadians on either side of the ball. Options to start for the Als are in the double digits.
Potential Starting Nationals: Defence
| NAME | POSITION |
| Chris Ackie | WILL Linebacker |
| Tevaughn Campbell | Field Corner |
| Henoc Muamba | MIKE/WILL Linebacker |
| Dondre Wright | Safety |
| Jabar Westerman | Defensive Tackle |
| Jamaal Westerman | Defensive End |
Potential Starting Nationals: Offence
| NAME | POSITION |
| Philip Blake | Offensive Guard |
| Kristian Matte | Offensive Guard |
| Philippe Gagnon | Offensive Guard |
| Luc Brodeur-Jourdain | Centre |
| George Johnson | Receiver |
| Patrick Lavoie | Fullback |
Who fits where will be determined in training camp based on schematics, performance and the ability to stay healthy.
What we know is that the Als are sure to start Muamba, the two Westermans and a Canadian safety on defence. You can also lock in O-linemen Kristian Matte and Philip Blake on offence.
Outside of that, nothing is out of the realm of possibility. Like starting three Americans on the O-line, much like the Winnipeg Blue Bombers did last year with Jermarcus Hardrick, Travis Bond and Stanley Bryant.
They could have an all-American lineup at receiver, featuring three proven veterans in Chris Williams, Ernest Jackson and B.J. Cunningham, with relative newcomers T.J. Graham and Eugene Lewis, among others, pushing for playing time.
That also carries over to the defensive side of the ball, where Tevaughn Campbell has proven he can handle the field side corner, and former fourth overall pick Chris Ackie has the ability to play both WILL linebacker and safety if needed.
Jamaal Westerman was one of the Als’ marquee signings early in free agency (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Canadian receiver George Johnson also started games last season at field wideout, and the veteran Luc Brodeur-Jourdain along with third-year player Philippe Gagnon are capable offensive linemen. Meanwhile, fullback Patrick Lavoie was re-acquired this off-season from the REDBLACKS.
It doesn’t mean there aren’t questions in Montreal. Some wonder about the Als’ cap situation, and if the team will have to make at least one significant cut before camp opens much like the Ottawa REDBLACKS did recently.
Then there’s the matter of the quarterback. The lack of a bonafide star has allowed the Als to spend their money elsewhere — but can one of Josh Freeman or Drew Willy lead them to victories?
A valid question, but one best saved for a different day, because today the team has acquired Henoc Muamba, and for the Alouettes and their fan base that’s exciting.
Muamba is a star in the CFL. A potential face of a defence that’s added some pretty big difference-makers this off-season. And the Als have him for the next three years.
